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Weekly News from Grace Episcopal Church
Published October 3, 2025
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Dear Friends,
This week I have been thoughtful in two directions after we talked briefly last Sunday at the services about rounding out this season of creation care liturgy and the misstep, I made by moving toward inviting dogs to the 8 a.m. service before inviting conversation on it. I have been thinking about the grace we all practice – and must practice as we relate and the approachable and demanding work of liturgy.
Liturgy is a word with deep meaning. The Greek word is leitourgia. Often it is described simply as ‘the work of the people.’ However, it carries more depth and breadth. Conceptually it means public work done at a private expense. Liturgy is something we all do together, and we all have a part to play. It can be challenging and may demand flexibility and adaptability while we both let go and welcome. This implies there may be days or seasons of effort, of being uncomfortable, or simply experiencing a grace-filled participation – while we each may be experiencing these various aspects at the same service. Liturgy has to do with the common good of us all, what we do together – all of us – as we worship God. The challenge is multifaceted aspects of worship for us. Worship is about God, and in its corporate liturgical flavor it demands other centeredness by each of us. Liturgy.
The relational piece stands out as we take in liturgy – this public work done at private expense. Relationships, like liturgy, are easy and hard, take great care and flow effortlessly. I have been gravitating to a poem all week by Andrea Gibson, the former poet laureate of Colorado who died in July of this year. They have a poem called The Year of No Grudges, or Instead of Writing a Furious Text, I Try a Poem. This poem is full of powerful words about the need for grace and the personal expense we hear from liturgy’s meaning to make relationships work. They write: “I know most people try hard to do good and find out too late they should have tried softer. I’ve never in my whole life been levelheaded, but the older I get, I’m more level hearted. Later in the poem they write: “…grace is super, super slippery. There’s literally nothing anyone is more likely to fall from.”
We are in a place in the calendar where we hear hard things scripturally, are finding our way as we seek our next music director and are learning together how to do liturgy. Let us not fall into slippery places as we seek to each play our part in liturgy when it is easy and flows and when it is challenging and demanding. If it is helpful to talk about any of these more, please let me know. I am available to you.
Peace to you,
Lisa+
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Join Us Sunday!
Sunday School | 9:45 a.m. | Lower Level
Our Pre-K – 2nd Grade and 3rd – 6th Grade.
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Adult Formation | 9:00 a.m. | LaVielle Room
Sunday - Soul Shop - Suicidal Desperation
October 12 - Soul Shop - Suicidal Desperation
October 19 – Post vestry discussion
October 26 – All Saints Triduum
November 2 - Thin Places - Questions and Diving Deeper
November 9 - Giving Thanks
November 16 – Post vestry discussion
November 23 - Advent - history & practice
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Children/Youth/Families Corner
Each week I will share here news, events, and stories about our growing community of children, youth and families at Grace Episcopal Church! I am honored to learn from this incredibly dedicated group of volunteers and see what God has in store for us as we work together. There will also be exciting opportunities coming for all ages - ways that we can be church together intergenerationally!! Please reach out Erin.Pickergill@GraceKirkwood.org if you'd like to get involved in ministry with young people! Peace, Erin.
| | Dog Paws
We will be putting a pause on bringing animals to the 8:00 a.m. service. Stay tuned for updates. | | |
Blessing of the Stuffed Animals
Bring in your favorite cuddly friend or picture to be blessed this Sunday, October 5. All ages are welcome to bring in your stuffed animal for a special blessing at both services. We can’t wait to see who you bring!
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Drive-thru Blessing of the Animals
All pets are welcome to our drive-thru pet blessing this Sunday, October 5, at 4:30 p.m. in the circle drive of the church! Pull up, roll your window down for a pup cup and a blessing!
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A Graceful Gathering of Women
What is it? A Graceful Gathering of Women is a group of women, coming together to share their thoughts and lives in an open, faithful, and friendly atmosphere. We hope to discuss things that are going on within Grace Church, things in the community it is located in, the Diocese it is located in, even the nation it is located in. We hope to find out what YOU are interested in, worried about, what you are looking for.
A Graceful Gathering of Women will meet for the first time on Tuesday, October 7, at 10:00 a.m. in LaVielle Room. We are hoping on that day to get a feel of what YOU, as women of Grace, would like to talk about. What YOU would enjoy. What YOU think we need as a faithful community. We will have snacks and beverages as we enjoy gathering. Come join us! If you have questions or suggestions, please feel free to contact Rebecca Harrison rharri7176@aol.com 314-791-7149 or Ruth Owler ruthowler@yahoo.com
314-570-1937.
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Grace on the Go!
Tuesday, October 21, Grace on the Go is going on another adventure together! We will start the day with lunch at Schafly Tap Room. From there we will proceed to a tour of the Old Cathedral on the riverfront. Ending the day with a tour of the newly renovated Old Courthouse. If you would like to carpool please meet at Grace at 10:45 a.m. The tour at the Old Cathedral is asking for a $5 donation.
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Immigration Group
Wednesday, October 22, at 6:00 p.m. Discussion and Dinner (donations please). Please RSVP for dinner to office@gracekirkwood.org so we have enough food. We will check in together and discuss avenues of help and support for immigrants.
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Trunk or Treat
Get ready for a spooky and fun-filled evening as we host our first Trunk or Treat! Arrive in your custome and your trunk decorated! Bring your own pumpkin and carving tools to create a seasonal work of art. Prizes for the pumpkin carving! This event is open to all ages, so bring your family and friends along for the fun. Don't have a pumpkin? No worries! Come and enjoy the fellowship, candy, customs and marvel at the clever creations of others. We'll be serving delicious pizza to keep you fueled up
throughout the evening. We are looking for families to sign up their trunks! Please email office@gracekirkwood.org if you are interested! We look forward to seeing all the customs and pumpkins!
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Soul shop and Suicidal Discussion
In early October we will take two Sunday formation times to talk about Suicide. We are coming on the heels of the national themed month in our country of Suicide Awareness and Prevention. As of April, of this year verified statistics from 2023 were published (CDC). 49,316 Americans died by suicide making it the 11th leading cause of death. It is the 2nd leading cause of death for ages 10-34, the 4th leading cause of death for ages 35-44, and the 5th leading cause of death for ages 45-54. Over one third of the people who died by suicide in 2023 were over 55 years old. I invite you not to move too quickly past these numbers. The magnitude in the health care industry would be an epidemic and globally a pandemic. Suicide is unfortunately prevalent and has likely touched many of our lives in some way. However, there is hope. Soul Shop is a spiritual movement seeking to prepare people to recognize and respond to suicidal desperation while seeking to empower communities to be hope and social connection (soulshopmovement.org). A few years ago, I (Lisa) went through a 5-day training with Soul Shop and the information and equipping for me and for those who go through various workshops they offer are so relevant and so needed. Consider coming – let us help keep one another alive.
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Sacrament of Baptism
Are you or someone you know interested in being Baptized at Grace? We have two Baptisms taking place on Sunday, October 26 and all are welcome. If you have questions or are ready to partake in this Sacrament as well please contact Rev. Lisa.
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Get Ready! Get Set! Get Knitting!
The time to donate our knitted items is approaching in a couple of months. Get your knitting needles or crochet hooks, or even needles and thread, ready to help us gather a sizable amount of scarves, hats, socks, mittens and gloves. We will donate them at Christmas-time to those who are out in the cold. If you need yarn, there is a huge supply in the LaVielle Room closet. Help yourself. Thanks to all who are helping.
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Hands on Kirkwood
September 7-28, Grace Church will again collect new and gently-used winter items for our neighbors in need. These items will be distributed during the annual Hands on Kirkwood community service day at HOK’s free store on Saturday, October 4.
If you would like to sign up to serve on October 4 please visit Hands On Kirkwood's/Grace’s Website. There is a sign up sheet to provide drink and snack in Albright hall.
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Support the Meacham Park Scholarship Fund
R&B Smooth Jazz Saxophonist Tim Cunningham returns to the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center for a special Meacham Park Neighborhood Improvement Association (MNIA) Scholarship Benefit Concert, Tim Cunningham and friends Jazz @ the Center, on Friday, October 24 at 7:30 p.m. Grace Church has partnered with MNIA to help provide community outreach and support and we would love to see a group from Grace attend this fabulous benefit concert.
The Meacham Park Scholars Award is a merit based scholarship created to reward Kirkwood High School African American Seniors who pursue academic excellence, leadership and a commitment to community service. Tickets for the concert can be purchased through Metro Tix. ALL concert proceeds benefit the MNIA Scholarship Fund.
| | Nursery Sunday hours are 8:45 a.m until 11:15 a.m. each Sunday. | | |
Hunger Barrel Items Needed
Please remember our neighbors in need. Drop your non-perishable food items in Grace’s red hunger barrel in the narthex each Sunday. Your donations are distributed through food pantries at KirkCare and Trinity Episcopal Church.
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Travel Toiletries
During your summer travels when staying in a hotel or motel they often provide you with travel toiletries, as well as coffee service packets, which you may not need.
| | | You can collect these unused items for Trinity Food Pantry and the Person to Person Street Ministry to give to the unhoused. Then, when you return to Grace, deposit your bag in the marked box in the parish hall. | | |
Sunday, October 5
Holy Eucharist 8:00 a.m. & 10:00 a.m. / Nave
Coffee Hour following both services in Albright Hall
Adult Formation 9:00 a.m. / LaVielle Room
Sunday School 9:45 a.m. / Lower Level
Gloria Deo Handbells 11:20 a.m. / Handbell Room
Walking the Mourners Path 1:00 p.m. / Library
Drive-thru Blessing of the Animals 4:30 p.m. / Front Drive
Tuesday, October 7
Graceful Gathering of Women 10:00 a.m. / LaVielle Room
Holy Eucharist 12:10 p.m. / Nave
Wednesday, October 8
Men’s Breakfast 8:00 a.m. / Spencer's Grill in Kirkwood
St. Dunstan Handbells 4:00 p.m. / Handbell room
First Wednesdays 6:00 p.m. / LaVielle Room
All Saints Handbells 7:15 p.m. / Handbell room
Thursday, October 9
Morning Prayer 9:30 a.m. / Chapel
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Parish List
Bill Allen
Henry Beers
Joan Bland
Peter Casey
Becky Coulter
Tom Coulter
Mary Cullinane
Eric Eickmeyer
David Fly
Bill Harrison
Stephen Jianakoplos
Alice & Ron Jones
Mike Lillmars
Major Family
Mary Merriweather
Chris Manuel
Connie Nix
Lucy Ryan
Friends & Family
Terri Baulesh
Cindy Boman
Ken Mac
Jeff Nelke
Logan Nelson
Patrick
Jim Poe
Susie Rutledge
Allison Shortlane
Flo Taylor
Edgar Taylor
Sally Trimble
David Weston
Jamie Wynd
Karen Zelinski
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Birthdays
October 3
Ted Guarino
October 4
Mary Cullinane
October 5
Leslie Henson
Lyn Ballard
October 6
Tim Cenova
October 7
Ron Jones
Connie Nix
October 8
Jacob Daus
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Anniversaries
no anniversaries this week
Did we miss your birthday
or anniversary?
We apologize!
Please let the parish office know so we can correct our records.
We don't want to miss you again!
| | | Our Prayer list requests and updates should be e-mailed to the parish office. Names will be left on the prayer list for one month unless the parish office is notified. | |
Pastoral Care
We are available to you to discuss personal, pastoral, or spiritual matters; please call or email the Lisa 978-590-8382 - Lisa.Corry@Gracekirkwood.org.
Members of the lay pastoral care team are also available to visit and bring communion to those unable to be at church in person. Please let the Lisa or Sara Losse (saratlosse@yahoo.com) know if you or someone you know in the congregation is in need of a pastoral visit.
Throughout the week, members of the Grace Prayer Chain are praying privately for special needs of the congregation. If you would like to add someone to the prayer list please contact Pat O’Brien (pmobri@gmail.com).
In case of a pastoral emergency, hospitalization, when a member of the church is near death or has died, please notify The Rev. Dr. Lisa as soon as possible so that she may minister to you and your family with prayers and anointing.
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Online Giving
We are grateful to everyone who is keeping their pledge current. Your generosity is gratifying and inspiring. To give online please click the link below and checks may be mailed to 514 East Argonne, Kirkwood, MO 63122. If you are out of work and unable to make your pledge, we understand. Please let the parish office know.
Giving is easier than ever. Just click below.
Select your desired fund from the drop down menu
and follow the prompts to complete your donation.
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Mission Statement
Wherever you are on your spiritual journey,
Grace Church welcomes you as we follow Jesus together through a life of worship, love, and action.
Our Core Values
Worship: We believe worship is the heart of the church, shaping and connecting us with one another and God. In our Christ-centered worship and sacrament, we learn and grow spiritually.
Love: We are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment, where each person is seen, heard, valued, and accepted.
Action: Service within and beyond our parish enriches our faith, strengthens our community, and keeps us relevant as we spread the word of God.
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The iMessenger is a weekly publication of Grace Church. If you have information you would like included, please contact the church office by Wednesday before noon.
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Weekly News from Grace Episcopal Church
Published September 26, 2025
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Mission Statement
Wherever you are on your spiritual journey,
Grace Church welcomes you as we follow Jesus together through a life of
worship, love, and action.
Our Core Values
Worship: We believe worship is the heart of the church, shaping and connecting us with one another and God. In our Christ-centered worship and sacrament, we learn and grow spiritually.
Love: We are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment, where each person is seen, heard, valued, and accepted.
Action: Service within and beyond our parish enriches our faith, strengthens our community, and keeps us relevant as we spread the word of God.
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Join Us Sunday!
Sunday School | 9:45 a.m. | Lower Level
Our Pre-K – 2nd Grade and 3rd – 6th Grade.
| | |
Adult Formation | 9:00 a.m. | LaVielle Room
Sunday - Eucharist & Prayer (Rowan Williams)
October 5 - Soul Shop - Suicidal Desperation
October 12 - Soul Shop - Suicidal Desperation
October 19 – Post vestry discussion
October 26 – All Saints Triduum
November 2 - Thin Places - Questions and Diving Deeper
November 9 - Giving Thanks
November 16 – Post vestry discussion
November 23 - Advent - history & practice
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Sunday School & HOK
School-aged kids in grades 3 and up will pass out Hands on Kirkwood bags this Sunday, September 28, during church school. They will be walking around the neighborhood with Grace teachers, so please have them wear comfortable shoes. Parents are welcome to join us! We may not be back in time for announcements, but we will all return after the service. Please meet in their regular church school rooms at 9:45 am as usual.
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First Wednesdays
Beginning in October we will have a Wednesday gathering for dinner and discussion of the book Convictions by Marcus Borg. 6:00 p.m. - 7:15 p.m. (donations for dinner please). We will discuss concepts from this book and you are welcome to join if you have or haven’t read the book. Please join us! Issues raised by Borg help us think about how we decide what is important: what matters and what do we do about it..
October 1st: discussion of preface to chapter 4
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Blessing of the Stuffed Animals
Bring in your favorite cuddly friend or picture to be blessed on Sunday, October 5. All ages are welcome to bring in your stuffed animal for a special blessing at both services. We can’t wait to see who you bring!
| | | |
Drive-thru Blessing of the Animals
All pets are welcome to our drive-thru pet blessing on Sunday, October 5, at 4:30 p.m. in the circle drive of the church!. Pull up, roll your window down for a pup cup and a blessing!
| | |
A Graceful Gathering of Women
What is it? A Graceful Gathering of Women is a group of women, coming together to share their thoughts and lives in an open, faithful, and friendly atmosphere. We hope to discuss things that are going on within Grace Church, things in the community it is located in, the Diocese it is located in, even the nation it is located in. We hope to find out what YOU are interested in, worried about, what you are looking for.
A Graceful Gathering of Women will meet for the first time on Tuesday, October 7, at 10:00 a.m. in LaVielle Room. We are hoping on that day to get a feel of what YOU, as women of Grace, would like to talk about. What YOU would enjoy. What YOU think we need as a faithful community. We will have snacks and beverages as we enjoy gathering. Come join us! If you have questions or suggestions, please feel free to contact Rebecca Harrison rharri7176@aol.com 314-791-7149 or Ruth Owler ruthowler@yahoo.com
314-570-1937.
| | |
Immigration Group
Wednesday, October 22, at 6:00 p.m. Discussion and Dinner (donations please). Please RSVP for dinner to office@gracekirkwood.org so we have enough food. We will check in together and discuss avenues of help and support for immigrants.
| | |
Sacrament of Baptism
Are you or someone you know interested in being Baptized at Grace? We have two Baptisms taking place on Sunday, October 26 and all are welcome. If you have questions or are ready to partake in this Sacrament as well please contact Rev. Lisa.
| |
Get Ready! Get Set! Get Knitting!
The time to donate our knitted items is approaching in a couple of months. Get your knitting needles or crochet hooks, or even needles and thread, ready to help us gather a sizable amount of scarves, hats, socks, mittens and gloves. We will donate them at Christmas-time to those who are out in the cold. If you need yarn, there is a huge supply in the LaVielle Room closet. Help yourself. Thanks to all who are helping.
| | | | |
Hands on Kirkwood
September 7-28, Grace Church will again collect new and gently-used winter items for our neighbors in need. These items will be distributed during the annual Hands on Kirkwood community service day at HOK’s free store on Saturday, October 4.
If you would like to sign up to serve on October 4 please visit Hands On Kirkwood's/Grace’s Website. There is a sign up sheet to provide drink and snack in Albright hall.
| | |
Support the Meacham Park Scholarship Fund
R&B Smooth Jazz Saxophonist Tim Cunningham returns to the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center for a special Meacham Park Neighborhood Improvement Association (MNIA) Scholarship Benefit Concert, Tim Cunningham and friends Jazz @ the Center, on Friday, October 24 at 7:30 p.m. Grace Church has partnered with MNIA to help provide community outreach and support and we would love to see a group from Grace attend this fabulous benefit concert.
The Meacham Park Scholars Award is a merit based scholarship created to reward Kirkwood High School African American Seniors who pursue academic excellence, leadership and a commitment to community service. Tickets for the concert can be purchased through Metro Tix. ALL concert proceeds benefit the MNIA Scholarship Fund.
| | Nursery Sunday hours are 8:45 a.m until 11:15 a.m. each Sunday. | | |
Hunger Barrel Items Needed
Please remember our neighbors in need. Drop your non-perishable food items in Grace’s red hunger barrel in the narthex each Sunday. Your donations are distributed through food pantries at KirkCare and Trinity Episcopal Church.
| | |
Travel Toiletries
During your summer travels when staying in a hotel or motel they often provide you with travel toiletries, as well as coffee service packets, which you may not need.
| | | You can collect these unused items for Trinity Food Pantry and the Person to Person Street Ministry to give to the unhoused. Then, when you return to Grace, deposit your bag in the marked box in the parish hall. | | |
Sunday, September 28
Holy Eucharist 8:00 a.m. & 10:00 a.m. / Nave
Coffee Hour following both services in Albright Hall
Adult Formation 9:00 a.m. / LaVielle Room
Sunday School 9:45 a.m. / Lower Level
Gloria Deo Handbells 11:20 a.m. / Handbell Room
Walking the Mourners Path 1:00 p.m. / LaVielle Room.
Tuesday, September 30
Holy Eucharist 12:10 p.m. / Nave
Wednesday, October 1
Men’s Breakfast 8:00 a.m. / Spencer's Grill in Kirkwood
St. Dunstan Handbells 4:00 p.m. / Handbell room
All Saints Handbells 7:00 p.m. / Handbell room
Thursday, October 2
Thursday Morning Prayer 9:30 a.m. / Chapel
Saturday, October 4
Hands On Kirkwood all day
| | |
Parish List
Bill Allen
Henry Beers
Joan Bland
Peter Casey
Becky Coulter
Tom Coulter
Mary Cullinane
Eric Eickmeyer
David Fly
Bill Harrison
Steve Jianakoplos
Alice & Ron Jones
Mike Lillmars
Major Family
Mary Merriweather
Chris Manuel
Connie Nix
Marty O'Leary
Lucy Ryan
Friends & Family
Terri Baulesh
Cindy Boman
John Kurth
Ken Mac
Jeff Nelke
Logan Nelson
Patrick
Jim Poe
Susie Rutledge
Allison Shortlane
Flo Taylor
Edgar Taylor
Sally Trimble
David Weston
Jamie Wynd
Karen Zelinski
| | | |
Anniversaries
Did we miss your birthday
or anniversary?
We apologize!
Please let the parish office know so we can correct our records.
We don't want to miss you again!
| | | Our Prayer list requests and updates should be e-mailed to the parish office. Names will be left on the prayer list for one month unless the parish office is notified. | |
Pastoral Care
We are available to you to discuss personal, pastoral, or spiritual matters; please call or email the Lisa 978-590-8382 - Lisa.Corry@Gracekirkwood.org.
Members of the lay pastoral care team are also available to visit and bring communion to those unable to be at church in person. Please let the Lisa or Sara Losse (saratlosse@yahoo.com) know if you or someone you know in the congregation is in need of a pastoral visit.
Throughout the week, members of the Grace Prayer Chain are praying privately for special needs of the congregation. If you would like to add someone to the prayer list please contact Pat O’Brien (pmobri@gmail.com).
In case of a pastoral emergency, hospitalization, when a member of the church is near death or has died, please notify The Rev. Dr. Lisa as soon as possible so that she may minister to you and your family with prayers and anointing.
| |
Online Giving
We are grateful to everyone who is keeping their pledge current. Your generosity is gratifying and inspiring. To give online please click the link below and checks may be mailed to 514 East Argonne, Kirkwood, MO 63122. If you are out of work and unable to make your pledge, we understand. Please let the parish office know.
Giving is easier than ever. Just click below.
Select your desired fund from the drop down menu
and follow the prompts to complete your donation.
| | |
The iMessenger is a weekly publication of Grace Church. If you have information you would like included, please contact the church office by Wednesday before noon.
| | | | |
